Economic black clouds are being seen over two of the BRIC countries that could spell stormy weather for operators in the heavy lift and project cargo markets.

Brazil is witnessing stalling economic activity that is creating social unrest. Heavy lift and transport work in support of the development of World Cup venues is now complete. The country's need for infrastructure over its vast interior distances is causing an economic drag on the state that threatens to end a decade long growth spurt.

In China, Beijing has been stunned that growth has fallen to a level of which the rest of the world can only dream. However, in Beijing's terms, growth of seven percent is a disaster. Much of the country's planned infrastructure has now been built and executed, leading to questions as to where the next big heavy lift operation may come from.

In Australia, worldwide shifts in demand for coal mean more cheap coal is headed towards China, leading to questions of viability over coal projects in the country which could impact on the movement of heavy mining and wheeled equipment.

This week's Friday Flyer is sponsored by Broekman Project Services, located in the Port of Rotterdam, which offers a total solution for handling and assembly of project cargoes - www.broekman-group.com/bps

In the corporate world
The latest video, 'Training Matters', released by Videotel demonstrates the importance of staff training to ship-owners by detailing how operators can receive a tangible return on investment with more efficient operations, fewer accidents, lower insurance premiums, and a more motivated workforce.

Two into one does go as Broekman Group makes its second acquisition in as many weeks, buying TWO Chemical Logistics from Emons Group after it inked the deal that snapped up Triple Logistics earlier.

Air Partner has reported strong trading over the last two months, with its commercial jet division, enjoying new business wins in the oil and gas sector, trading significantly ahead of the equivalent period 2012.

Chapman Freeborn Airchartering will support Swiss WorldCargo (pictured top right), the air freight arm of Swiss International Air Lines, with all third-party aircraft chartering requirements, following a similar cooperation deal with Lufthansa Cargo.

Bay Crane hosted almost 1,500 people at the opening of its new 250,000 sq ft (23,226 sq m) Smithfield, Rhode Island facility which will support Bay Crane's terminals in Boston, Massachusetts and North Haven, Connecticut (pictured second right).

Volga-Dnepr Airlines' new short message services (SMS) tracking system will allow its customers moving out-of-gauge cargo to keep track of shipments on a mobile phone.

Capacity developments
Hansa Heavy Lift has purchased two F-class vessels from another undisclosed shipping company. The new additions will sail under the names HHL Elbe and HHL Tyne, and takes the shipping line's total fleet to 22 owned vessels.

The Ukrainian government is talking up an agreement to establish a joint venture for the production AN-124 Ruslan (Condor) with Russia.

The builders are in to start work on Emirates SkyCargo's new freight terminal at Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International airport, UAE.

Ports America will provide terminal and stevedoring services for Liberty Global Logistics' (LGL) new monthly service to the Middle East from Providence, Rhode Island.

Network news
XLProjects network member MariTrans has joined CargoTrans, the online freight exchange.

Seawave Navigation has become the third and final member of the Project Cargo Network representing Tunisia.

Efsun Sarac was elected president of the World Project Group (WPG) at its recent AGM in St. Petersburg. She succeeds Michel Fuchs.

People and places
Intermarine has appointed Ask Munck as managing director of worldwide chartering services on a permanent basis, replacing Lars Juhl, following his decision to step-down due to long-term health concerns.

David Bermingham has been named ceo of Swissport UK Ground Handling and Swissport UK Cargo Services, replacing interim ceo Robin Dickie, effective September. Meanwhile, Swissport International has appointed Stan Livingston as senior vice president global key account management ground handling, while Nils Pries Knudsen is now head of global cargo services.

A pair of senior managerial appointments at DHL Industrial Projects has seen Svetlana Shilenok named head of Industrial Projects Baltics, DHL Global Forwarding (DGF), effective immediately, while Juan Gimenez Delgado is now head of Industrial Projects DGF Iberia and will be based in Madrid, Spain.

Logwin has expanded its network in India by opening a new office in Kolkata and expanding its facilities in Chennai.

In the USA, Burkhalter has expanded its Houston branch to include operations and sales teams, as well as establishing a local operating facility.

EMS Shipping and Trading has officially started operating the East Terminal in the Port of Durres, Albania.

All about Evie
Noting a changing of the guard at World Project Group, with Efsun Sarac succeeding Michael Fuchs as president, Evie says the election of a female to a significant freight industry position is a great role model for women who might be tempted to join the industry, but are put off by what they see as a male bias.

As far as Evie is concerned, the suggestion that production is starting again on the AN-124 brought a wry smile to her face. It's too much like Groundhog day for the girl as she has lost count of the number of times she has heard this news over the last few years. She won't be holding her breath.

 

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